Al-Nassr, the Saudi giants, are reportedly on the brink of making a significant move by offering Italian coach Luciano Spalletti the role of their new coach for the upcoming 2025-26 season. After a disappointing season without any silverware, the club is looking to bring in fresh leadership to turn things around.
According to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Al-Nassr has identified Spalletti as their top choice to replace Stefano Pioli, who is expected to depart soon. The club is willing to make a substantial financial offer to lure the former Napoli boss to the Middle East.
Pioli, on the other hand, seems to have a deal in place to join Fiorentina this summer, marking his return to Italian club football. Despite turning down an opportunity to coach the Italian national team, Pioli is keen on continuing his managerial career in the club scene.
Spalletti recently parted ways with the Italian national team after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Norway, although he did end his tenure on a high note with a victory over Moldova. The experienced coach previously enjoyed success at Napoli, guiding them to a Serie A title in the 2022-23 season.
With Cristiano Ronaldo committed to staying at Al-Nassr for another season, the club is looking to entrust another prominent Italian coach to lead the team. Following Simone Inzaghi’s move from Inter Milan to Al-Hilal, Spalletti could be enticed by the lucrative opportunities in the Saudi Pro League.
In a separate development, Al-Nassr could potentially lose another key player this summer in the form of Colombian striker Jhon Duran. Reports from Arriyadiyah via Daily Mail suggest that Duran is contemplating a return to European football due to personal reasons and challenges faced off the field since joining the Saudi club.
Despite facing difficulties adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia and being unable to live with his partner due to local laws, Duran made a significant impact on the pitch. The 21-year-old forward alleviated some of the goalscoring responsibilities from Cristiano Ronaldo, netting 12 goals in 18 appearances following his record transfer from Aston Villa.
Duran’s potential departure raises questions about his future at Al-Nassr, with clubs likely monitoring his situation closely. However, it remains to be seen if any suitors are willing to match the £65 million fee the Saudi club invested in the promising young talent.
As the transfer window heats up and managerial changes loom, Al-Nassr’s offseason promises to be an intriguing one as they seek to bolster their squad and secure the services of a seasoned coach like Spalletti. With Ronaldo’s presence and the allure of top-tier talent, the Saudi giants are poised to make waves in the footballing landscape under new leadership.
